Abstract: Background/Objectives: Central sensitization (CS) is identified as a cause of pain in various musculoskeletal diseases, and breathing pattern disorders (BPDs) are reported to be correlated with chronic pain. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between CS and BPDs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed according to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Forty participants with moderate to extreme CS (central sensitization inventory for Koreans; CSI-K≥40) were enrolled, and their respiratory motion (manual assessment of respiratory motion; MARM), respiratory function (self evaluation of breathing questionnaire; SEBQ), respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure; MIP, maximal expiratory pressure; MEP), pain intensity (numeric pain rating scale; NPRS), pain cognition (Korean version of pain catastrophizing scale; K-PCS), muscle tone and stiffness were measured. Results: Among participants with moderate to extreme CS, 82.5% showed BPDs and 42.5% reported severe pain intensity. K-PCS demonstrated significant correlations with MARM area (r=-0.437) and SEBQ (r=0.528). In the subgroup with BPDs, strong correlations were found between MARM area and NPRS (r=-0.486) and K-PCS (r=-0.605). The regression model for muscle properties showed notably high explanatory power (97.8%). Conclusion: In individuals with moderate to extreme CS, respiratory dysfunction was prevalent and significantly associated with pain intensity and pain cognition. These quantitative relationships between breathing mechanics, pain measures, and muscle properties suggest the importance of assessing breathing patterns in CS management.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis is a significant public health issue. This study aimed to evaluate an eco-friendly, thermosensitive nanogel, developed using a low-energy, solvent-free method, incorporating F127 and Carbopol 974P copolymers, and enriched with Pectis brevipedunculata essential oil (EOPb) for its leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: The nanogel was prepared and characterized through FTIR, DLS, SEM, and AFM to confirm the incorporation of EOPb, stability and rheological properties. In vitro leishmanicidal activity was evaluated on Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes, and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using a rat paw edema model. Results: In vitro, nGF3 (EOPb-loaded nanogel) demonstrated significant leishmanicidal activity, with promastigote mortality rates exceeding 80% at 24 h and 90% at 48 h. In vivo, nGF1, nGF2, and nGF3 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, with nGF2 and nGF3 reducing edema by 62.7% at 2 h post-treatment. The empty nanogel (nGF0) showed minimal anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusions: The eco-friendly EOPb-loaded nanogel (nGF3) demonstrated strong leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory effects, presenting a promising candidate for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment. Further studies are necessary to explore its clinical potential.

Abstract:

Introduction: The family in child growth screening is an inherent issue and an important part, especially in stunting prevention. Factors related to the incidence of stunting are something that is the basis for stunting prevention. This research aims to review family involvement in stunting prevention based on philosophical views. Method: Conduct a review by finding from several databases, namely Proquest, Science Direct and Scopus. The article is limited to the family population with stunted or malnourished or under nutrition children in 2020-2024. Results: Families contribute to stunting prevention, among others, by increasing knowledge about the factors that contribute to the incidence of stunting. Family involvement is not only in the nuclear family, namely parents (fathers and mothers) but also in the extended family, one of which is the grandmother. The view of ontology is related to growth and development problems, especially nutrition as a function of family parenting which involves the decisions of both parents but is also influenced by decisions outside the nuclear family. The epistemiology view is to improve the ability of families to regulate children's growth with preventive efforts from the aspect of increasing knowledge and skills. The view of axiology is to increase family concern for children by respecting that children's growth and nutrition are the essential values of a form of respect for individual children. Conclusion: The family has an effective role for both fathers, mothers or families outside the nuclear family either individually or in cooperation between family members.

Abstract: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a critical challenge in intensive care units (ICUs), contributing to significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence, types, and risk factors for HAIs among 113 ICU patients at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha, South Africa, admitted between January 2020 and December 2022. Patients included were hospitalized for more than 48 hours. Data analyzed encompassed demographics, ICU stay duration, HAI types, microorganisms, invasive device use, comorbidities, and outcomes. The cohort's median age was 33 years, with 61.1% having chronic illnesses. The ICU mortality rate was 26.5%. All patients had urinary catheters, and 53.1% used multiple invasive devices, including mechanical ventilation and central lines. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) was the most common HAI, followed by surgical site infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and central line-associated bloodstream infection. The Acinetobacter baumannii complex was the predominant pathogen. Logistic regression revealed intravenous central lines as a significant risk factor for HAIs, with CAUTI strongly linked to ICU mortality (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted infection prevention strategies, focusing on invasive medical device management to reduce HAI prevalence and associated mortality in ICU settings.

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the likelihood of smoking and betel quid chewing behavior changes, as well as the associated factors, among subjects in a nationwide oral cancer screening program in Taiwan, where oral cancer is the fourth leading malignancy in men. Methods: The Taiwanese Oral Cancer Screening Program targets smokers and betel quid chewers over the age of 30. Between 2010 and 2021, 2,578,245 individuals participated in the program at least twice. During each visit, the central data monitoring center collected information on gender, age, education level, smoking and betel quid chewing habits, the quantities consumed, and diagnoses of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral cancer. A three-state Markov chain exponential regression model was employed to assess the probabilities of behavior change—deterioration, maintenance, or improvement—and the factors influencing these changes. Results: The largest proportion of both smokers and betel quid chewers remained unchanged in the repeated attendees. The smoking cessation transition result was less than 10%, whereas the reduction in dosage exceeded 20%. However, the discontinuation of betel quid chewing was observed in more than 20% of individuals in the low-dose group, and there was also a reduction in dosage of more than 20%. The positive OPMD caused the progression of Net Force Progression (NFP) from an initial stage of none, as well as NFP between low and high doses of both smoking and betel quid chewing. Higher levels of education, residing in urban areas, and receiving screenings in big hospitals help to avoid the progressive NFP between low and high doses of smoking. Additionally, these factors also help to prevent the development of NFP from an initial stage of none, as well as the progressive NFP between low and high doses of betel quid chewing. Conclusion: Participation in an Oral Cancer Screening program can effectively enhance hazardous oral behaviors including smoking and betel quid chewing. Although it may not have a substantial effect on smoking cessation, it can decrease the daily consumption of cigarettes. The approach demonstrates encouraging outcomes in encouraging individuals to quit betel quid chewing and decrease their daily consumption. Higher levels of education, urban residency, and receiving screenings at large hospitals all have a good impact on reducing dangerous oral cancer behaviors.

Abstract:

This study investigated changes in life expectancy due to the COVID-19 pandemic by analyzing the contributions of age, gender, and cause of death in 2019 and 2022. Korea’s simplified life table and cause-of-death statistics from 2019 to 2022 were used to assess mortality changes by age, gender, and cause of death during the pandemic. Joinpoint regression analysis was applied to detect trends, and the Arriaga decomposition method was used to quantify the contributions of age, gender, and cause of death to life expectancy changes. Joinpoint regression identified a slow increase in life expectancy in 2007 and a decline in 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Life expectancy decreased markedly for men (-0.36 years per year, 95%CI: -0.68 to -0.03) and women (-0.45 years per year, 95%CI: -0.71 to -0.18). Age-specific contributions revealed declines across age groups, with the steepest reductions in the older population (80 years or older: -0.35 years for men; -0.52 years for women). Women (-0.68 years) contributed more to the decline in life expectancy than men (-0.41 years). COVID-19 ranked as the third leading cause of death in 2022, significantly contributing to the decline in life expectancy among the older population (aged 80 years or older: -0.306 years for men, -0.408 years for women). Women in Korea were more affected than men, reducing the gender gap in life expectancy by 0.3 years. Before the pandemic, non-communicable diseases such as malignant neoplasms, heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease dominated Korea’s top 10 causes of death. During the pandemic, however, COVID-19 rose to third place by 2022. Notably, intentional self-harm (suicide) contributed to an increase in life expectancy, suggesting shifts in the relative impact of various causes of death

Abstract: Rajasthan, India’s largest state by area, faces persistent challenges in delivering healthcare due to its expansive geography, diverse terrains, and predominantly rural demographic. With over three-fourths of its population spread across 44,672 villages, many in remote or disaster-prone regions, accessing timely medical care is a significant challenge. Drone technology offers an innovative solution to these barriers, enabling the efficient, cost-effective delivery of medical supplies, vaccines, diagnostic samples, and emergency aid to underserved communities. This paper examines the transformative potential of drones in addressing Rajasthan's healthcare disparities. Drones have proven effective in enhancing maternal, neonatal, and child health outcomes by ensuring the timely delivery of essential medicines and vaccines. They also support the management of chronic communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, by expediting diagnostic sample transportation and medication distribution. In emergencies, drones provide critical supplies to isolated areas, overcoming logistical constraints posed by damaged infrastructure or impassable terrain. Notable Indian initiatives, such as Redcliffe Labs’ drone corridor and similar projects in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, demonstrate the feasibility and impact of drone-based healthcare systems. These programs have significantly reduced delivery times, enhanced service accessibility, and fostered local economic growth. Leveraging such advancements, Rajasthan can establish an equitable healthcare infrastructure that addresses the unique challenges of its diverse and remote regions. This paper highlights drones as a pivotal tool for bridging healthcare gaps, improving outcomes, and ensuring that even the most isolated populations receive timely and quality medical care.

Abstract: Background: In our modern era, stress has become a pervasive challenge, affecting individuals across all ages and backgrounds. Acute or chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels, are known to impair neurological function and hinder rehabilitation outcomes. Therefore, effective treatment methods that reduce stress, enhance mental health, and promote overall well-being are urgently needed. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal effects of balneotherapy on distress, salivary cortisol, and integrative outcomes. Methods: A multicenter, randomized controlled, single-blinded parallel-group trial was conducted in 2023 across six medical spa centers in Lithuania. Participants with stress intensity &gt;3 points (VAS) underwent combined natural resource-based therapies over a 1- to 2-week treatment period. Outcomes were assessed using the General Symptom Distress and Arizona Integrative Outcomes scales, along with salivary cortisol measurements. Results: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in distress intensity by 1–3.5 points (VAS), with winter interventions showing greater efficacy compared to other seasons. Participants also experienced an increase in well-being by up to 3 points (VAS), improved stress management by up to 1.9 points (VAS), and a reduction in salivary cortisol levels by 0.9 units following winter-based treatments. Conclusions: Our study provides robust evidence for the stress-reducing effects of balneotherapy, particularly highlighting the enhanced efficacy of winter interventions. These findings are especially relevant for neurological rehabilitation, where stress reduction and improved autonomic regulation can support neuroplasticity, recovery processes, and overall quality of life. This research offers valuable insights for developing holistic, seasonally optimized strategies to aid stress management and promote neurological health.

Abstract: The prevalence of people with obesity is increasing worldwide, facing challenges in terms of discrimination and prejudice across all settings, including health care. The objective of this review is to compare and synthesize recent scientific literature regarding nurses' behaviors and attitudes toward patients with obesity. A systematic methodology was employed, conducting a literature search of studies published in the past five years in the bibliographic resources Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science, and Scopus; using specific terms combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR. The focus was placed on studies involving nurses and/or nursing students. Initially, the search yielded 166 articles, of which 14 were included in this review. Critical appraisal tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) were used to evaluate the included studies, and their level of evidence was also determined. The findings can be categorized into two main areas: studies investigating interventions aimed at reducing negative behaviors related to weight bias and prejudice, and studies focusing on assessing these attitudes. The evidence points in a consistent direction: nurses exhibit negative attitudes toward patients with obesity. The need for strategies to address this challenge is highlighted, alongside the development of research that complements the current evidence with a deeper and more detailed understanding of this phenomenon.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Preterm birth, even for moderate or late preterm infants (MLPI), is associated with longer-term developmental challenges. Family Integrated Care (FICare) models of care, like Alberta FICare, aim to improve outcomes by integrating parents into neonatal care during hospitalization. This follow-up study examined the association between models of care (Alberta FICare vs standard care) and risk of child developmental delay at 18 months corrected age (CA) and explored the influences of maternal psychosocial distress. Methods: We assessed 257 mothers and 298 infants from a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in ten Level II NICUs in Alberta, Canada. l Risk of developmental delay was assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires 3rd Edition (ASQ-3), Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social- Emotional 2nd Edition (ASQ:SE-2), and the Brief Infant and Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (BITSEA). Maternal psychosocial distress was assessed using self-reported measures of depressive symptoms, anxiety, parenting stress, and self-efficacy. Results: There was no association between model of care and risk of child developmental delay. Higher maternal parenting stress was associated with increased risk of developmental delay on the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2, and BITSEA. Conclusions: Alberta FICare was not associated with decreased risk of child developmental delay at months CA. Maternal parenting stress significantly influenced risk of child developmental delay, suggesting that post-discharge family environment plays a more important role in the development of MLPI than interventions in hospital.